This is sort of a "what more can you say" book, it's Poe. I was introduced to Poe when I was around 11 by a (young) school teacher. I suppose I never looked back and in a way it effected my taste in literature as I still like most types of fantasy reads and enjoy what is usually (somewhat loosely) called "weird" literature.

Edgar Allan Poe, a man who carved out the classic short story, the classic detective story all the while telling blood chilling stories that have been copied ever since. I have read that a good deal of the "character assassination" of Poe was exaggerated. We know that he was at least emotionally fragile and was shattered by the loss of his wife. More than that and that he was an extraordinary writer I'm not sure of. BUT if you like horror, try. It all started here.